Peace by Chocolate

Entertaining movie that hits the right notes. Well worth the time to invest. Creates sympathy for the family and the good that exists in people.

But the behaviors were often absurd.

Son gets invited to speak by the Governor of Vermont but son, who is almost finished with medical school, doesn't know he needs a valid passport and visa to travel to the US? Didn't Syria have borders and rules?

Father is aware of need for permits for his factory, yet needs to be schooled by son that in Canada bribes won't solve permit issues?

And the fact that the towns existing chocolatier is concerned about new competition is portrayed as xenophobia?

I'm sure the real story is complex and heart warming but these absurdities detract from the film version.

I had better hopes for this film. It has a Hallmark feel to it mixed in with many loose ends and unrealistic or forced character interactions.

Maybe the writers were on a deadline or forced to include unnecessary family drama but this is the sort of story I would've preferred to watch without all that fluff. The main character this story is based on mentions the added drama was all fake to embellish to story. Maybe a documentary would've been better.

Still, the film is well shot.

It's an inspiring film of a family beating their odds setting out in a new place. I'm surprised by the low rating here as it's well made, entertaining and being based on a true story, inspiring. The acting is good and storyline well thought out. I found the film to be of a good length. There are no special effects but the on location filming was well done and I found suitable to the story. The storyline is what pulls the punch for this film and I was captivated from start to finish. The interactions between the characters were very good.

I recommend watching it - no need to watch in the cinema.

This movie... It doesn't only makes my day because I'm a Syrian and loved the way these people accomplished something and gave me hope and a smile. It's also that Syrian soul it has, working tirelessly for your dreams but also being their for your family.

RIP Hatem Ali, you will be missed.

Absolutely beautiful way to tell such a compelling and heart warming story. It's quite literally what the Canadian dream is. Acting was amazing and production/photography were so well done. 10/10 would/will watch again.